WISCONSINREPORT.COM (01/28/2010) - A University of Wisconsin nuclear physics doctorate holder, who is now Chairman of the independent U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, is set to speak at a Washington D.C. forum. Prior to his pro-nuclear energy mention during the State of the Union speech before the joint meeting of the U.S. Senate and House members January 27th, it was said that the Obama administration has sent conflicting signals to the power industry on the integration of nuclear into the energy mix. The NRC chairman will update power industry leaders on the regulatory issues affecting the current applications for new reactors.

Industry sources indicate that from the infusion of $18.5 billion in loan guarantees to the delays and suspensions of plant planning or construction, next generation nuclear power development has been stop and go for the power industry.

Energy Central, the leading resource in the global power industry for news, events, databases, insight and analysis, announced today that Gregory Jaczko, Chairman of the independent U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, will update power industry leaders on the regulatory issues affecting the current applications for new reactors during a keynote address and Q&A at the EnergyBiz Leadership Forum (http://www.energybizforum.com).

The 2010 Forum will examine the fallout of the economic downturn, look at stimulus funds and early returns on the Obama administration's American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) investment, and discuss the country's progress in developing a new energy economy.

Speakers include representatives from utilities, government, consumer advocacy groups, research laboratories, energy associations, businesses, regulators, and the energy vendor community.

The Forum will be held in Washington, D.C., February 28 through March 2, 2010, at the Mandarin Oriental. Jaczko will speak Monday, March 1, from 2:00 - 2:30 pm, providing a national level perspective on nuclear regulatory issue.

The NRC Chairman's remarks come amid the backdrop of a decline in the number of combined operating license applications under active consideration at the NRC. Just a few months ago the agency was looking at 17 applications covering 26 new reactors. Today, that number is 13 applications for 21 reactors.

"The NRC determines where the action is when it comes to the future of nuclear power in America. We are pleased to have the head of the commission on hand to provide an up-to-date look at the regulatory environment for new nuclear reactors," indicated Marty Rosenberg, editor-in-chief of EnergyBiz magazine.

Jaczko who holds a doctorate in nuclear physics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, was designated NRC Chairman by President Barack Obama on May 13, 2009. He was first sworn in as a Commissioner on Jan. 21, 2005, and his term runs through June 2013.

Jaczko has led initiatives to strengthen security regulations for nuclear power plants -- including requiring new nuclear power plants to be designed to withstand an aircraft crash. He has promoted efforts to modernize emergency preparedness programs and to develop a Commission policy on the importance of a healthy "safety culture" at the NRC and its licensees.

Immediately prior to assuming the post of Commissioner, Jaczko served as appropriations director for U.S. Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., and also served as the Senator's science policy advisor. He began his Washington, D.C., career as a congressional science fellow in the office of U.S. Rep. Edward Markey, D-Mass. In addition, he has been an adjunct professor at Georgetown University teaching science and policy.

In addition to Jaczko's participation, Nuclear Energy Institute President (NEI) and CEO Marvin Fertel and Terra Power's Nuclear Program Manager John Gilleland will deliver their perspectives on next generation development and where nuclear fits in the mix in energy's emerging architecture.

EnergyBiz magazine's parent company, Energy Central, produces the Leadership Forum. Through interactive presentations, Q&A sessions, and roundtables, the conference discusses and analyzes energy production, consumption, and policy in the United States. See the EnergyBiz Leadership Forum Web site for details, including a full schedule and agenda for the event.

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